Steccato
Discovering the history of Steccato di Cutro
Here is a brief overview of the history of Steccato di Cutro, a seaside town located on the Ionian coast of Calabria. According to the studies of historian Andrea Pesavento, in ancient times the area was known as Torre Tacina and was part of the diocese of Isola. There is no precise founding date, but the lands of Steccato and San Leonardo were administered by San Luca di Isola Capo Rizzuto, the first bishop of the diocese that extended from Isola Capo Rizzuto to the mouth of the Tacina. The first settlements of Steccato and San Leonardo were found in the small monastery of San Leonardo di Cutro, founded by Greek Basilian monks before the arrival of the Jesuits in the 1500s.
Owners of the lands of Steccato
The ownership of the lands of Steccato passed from hand to hand. Initially, it was under the control of the bishopric of Isola Capo Rizzuto, then of the Caracciolo family, the De Nobili family of Catanzaro, and the Doria family, with the title of "barons of Tacina and Massanova". From 1848, the territory passed to the Barracco family with the adjacent territory of San Leonardo di Cutro. In 1950, the "Sila Valorization Agency" confiscated the lands of the barons, reclaimed the swampy area, and returned it to the new tenants. Today, the numerous farmhouses scattered throughout the territory bear witness to that era.
The modern urban planning of Steccato and San Leonardo di Cutro
The modern urban planning of Steccato and San Leonardo di Cutro was carried out in the 1950s on commission from the "Sila Valorization Agency" by the Turin architect Giovanni Astengo. Their planning became a model for other coastal and tourist towns in the region.
The shipwreck off the coast of Steccato di Cutro
On February 25, 2023, a caïque with 250 people on board coming from Turkey broke apart and sank off the coast of Steccato di Cutro due to rough seas. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 72 people and the disappearance of many others. The event was remembered as a human tragedy on the Calabrian coast and was taken as an example to raise public awareness about the migrant problem and the conditions in which they cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe.
Conclusions
Steccato di Cutro is a town that has a long history and today represents a tourist destination for those seeking peace and crystal-clear sea. Its modern urban planning and its proximity to other places of historical and cultural interest make it an ideal place for a trip to discover Calabria. However, we must also remember the human tragedy that occurred off its shores, which reminds us of the fragile life of migrants who seek a better future in Europe.
